Step up to future, NPC leader tells Hong Kong, Macao

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), joins a panel discussion with political advisors from Hong Kong and Macao, two special administrative regions, at the fifth session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2017. (Liu Weibing / Xinhua)

BEIJING – China’s top legislator expressed hope on Saturday that Hong Kong and Macao can seize opportunities brought by the country’s development while “safeguarding national interests” and making full use of the advantages of the central government’s “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, made the remark during a meeting in Beijing with Hong Kong and Macao members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, the country’s top political advisory body.

As long as the SARs adhere to the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, abide by the Constitution and Basic Laws, grab opportunities brought by China’s development and play up their unique strengths, they will reap better development

Zhang Dejiang, Chairman, Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China

Zhang said China’s rapid development during the past year adds to the country’s international influence. Its achievements have also brought new development opportunities to the two special administrative regions of China, he said, expressing hope that Hong Kong and Macao will stand firm on the “One Country” principle and utilize the unique advantages brought by the "Two Systems" constitutional arrangement to seize new opportunities.

Tam Yiu-chung — a CPPCC National Committee member and former chairman of Hong Kong’s biggest political group, The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, or DAB — said Zhang expressed the central government’s hope that Hong Kong and Macao would catch the country’s “fast train” of development, which includes the Belt and Road Initiative.

"As long as the SARs adhere to the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, abide by the Constitution and Basic Laws, grab opportunities brought by China’s development and play up their unique strengths, they will reap better development," Zhang said.

The central government attaches high importance to the upcoming election of a new Hong Kong leader later this month, and hopes the city will pick someone who can be trusted by the central government and who has earned the Hong Kong people’s support, Zhang added.

Zhang wished success in the election of the sixth Legislative Assembly of Macao, “so as to maintain Macao’s social stability and ensure the Macao SAR government’s effective governance according to law”.

Zhang hoped all Hong Kong and Macao members of the CPPCC National Committee will fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to China’s national construction and regional development.

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